NOVEMBER 2019 | 39
Motoring
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
10 TIPS TO INCREASE
FUEL EFFICIENCY
With fuel prices slowly climbing, vehicle
owners are being advised of the ways
they could drive more economically to
help increase their fuel efficiency.
Motoring experts from
LeaseVan.co.uk have offered driv-
ers ten top tips to help them con-
serve expensive petrol and diesel.
With the average cost of a litre
of unleaded fuel being just over
£1.27, Brits are being reminded
how they can change their driving
to help keep their money in their
pockets – particularly those who
rely on vehicles for work.
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk
said: “Paying for fuel is another
costly expense those with vehicles
need to pay for, and if they’re reli-
ant on the car or van for business
it can soon add up.
It can seem
‘ inevitable
to
stop-start when
in traffic, but
slowly rolling along
at a constant,
low speed can
help increase
the efficiency of
your driving
’
“There are ways to help keep
petrol costs as low as possible,
mainly by being a bit more aware
of driving habit and adapting to
increase fuel efficiency.
“Most cars and vans now have
built-in systems measuring mpg,
which is a great way to look and
see whilst you’re driving how your
fuel is being affected. Drivers can
consume almost 15% less fuel by
taking note of what their fuel con-
sumption display is telling them.”
1. Save on weight
The more weight in the vehicle,
the more fuel you’re going to use.
If you know you won’t need a
certain set of tools during the day,
leave them at home.
2. Maintenance
Regular upkeep and mainte-
nance of the vehicle means that
all the systems will be working
to their optimum standards,
meaning they’re as efficient as
possible. Checking tyre pressures
regularly can improve efficiency.
Under-inflated tyres can cause
you to use up to two per cent
more fuel.
3. Accelerate gently
The harder the acceleration, the
more fuel consumed. The smooth-
er the drive, in terms of accelera-
tion and breaking, the less work
the vehicle is going to do meaning
less fuel will be used.
4. Be kind to your gears
Staying in one gear for too long
can slash your efficiency. Many
vehicles are now fitted with gear
shift indicators, which makes it
easier to know which gear you
should be in and when to change
up or down.
5. Maintain a
steady speed
Unintentional dips in speed and
sudden bursts of acceleration to
keep pace take a toll on the tank.
Cruise control is your best friend
when on motorways helping you
keep at a constant speed. If traffic
permits, allowing your speed to
drop when you travel uphill, then
speed as you roll downhill can
also have a positive impact.
6. Keep rolling
It can seem inevitable to stop-
start when in traffic, but slowly
rolling along at a constant, low
speed can help increase the effi-
ciency of your driving. Try slowing
extra early when approaching traf-
fic lights or a queue and you might
not have to stop completely.
7. Use your air-con wisely
At low speeds air-con can have
a dramatic effect on reducing
efficiency, instead try opening
windows to get air through the
vehicle. However, at higher speeds
such as on a motorway, the effect
of air con isn’t that noticeable.
Drivers can consume almost 15% less
‘ fuel
by taking note of what their fuel
consumption display is telling them ’
8. Stick to the limit
The faster you’re travelling, the
more fuel you’re using. Driving at
70mph uses up to 9% more than at
60mph, and up to 15% more than
at 50mph!
racks and ensuring everything fits
inside the vehicle can help save
money on fuel.
10. Drive a manual
9. Stay aerodynamic According to the AA, automat-
ics can use 10% to 15% more fuel
than manuals.
Wind resistance increases fuel
consumption. Keeping windows
shut at high speeds, removing roof www.theaa.com/driving-advice/
fuels-environment/drive-smart